Jay certainly hasn't had the easiest of years (in fact, it's been pretty terrible), and is now facing the devastating prospect of losing Phil Mitchell forever as he continues to deteriorate over the festive season.

So, Digital Spy recently caught up with Jamie to get all the gossip on Christmas, Phil's future and what 2017 holds for Jay...

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This week is your tenth anniversary - did you ever imagine you'd stay that long?

No, I didn't. I take it year by year and I didn't think the character would last. You never expect to be here for that long.

What do you think has kept you there for all that time?

I really don't know. I like to think all the producers have been happy with me, and with my work and how I've presented myself over the years. I also like to think that the audience have fallen in love with this character and have taken him into their hearts and their home. I like to think it was that, but I don't know.

What has been your highlight over the years?

Just meeting everyone really and developing the lovely friendship and real solidarity with them all. You spend more time with them than you do your own family so it's been great developing all these lovely bonds with all these wonderful people.

This year in particular has been difficult for Jay, but have you enjoyed the challenge as an actor?

I've absolutely loved it. It's always great to get good stories, and I have been really lucky to get them recently. It's been a great year. And even with things like the Linzi storyline, it was a great story to tell – I never worried about the reaction or anything like that.

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How do this year's Christmas episodes compare to previous years?

Well with Phil, it could be his last Christmas so everyone is on tenterhooks. We will really see that. It will be different, and it's different from last year, but every year is different and has its own big story. The EastEnders Christmas episode is like a tradition, isn't it?

The Mitchells are obviously under a lot of pressure with Phil being so unwell. Is it going to be a happy one for him or not?

I don't want give it away so I won't say.

How are things with Jay and Phil over Christmas?

They have this heart-to-heart. Phil wouldn't have had that heart-to-heart with Jay if he didn't love him and didn't really care for him. Their relationship is good at the moment and that's great. Jay knows he has made mistakes, so has Phil. And we've seen Phil help him with the drug dealer and they have both realised they've done things wrong. It's great to see them back together now.

It's great. The way he works – he is just brilliant. He is like the father of our family and we have a laugh with him. We are extremely close and I know I can go to him with any problems. He is always there to help me. He's great. It's like working with your best friend or your second dad, it's brilliant.

Have you ever been genuinely worried that Phil will be killed off?

No, it's never crossed my mind. Who knows this year though? He's in a really bad way at Christmas so anything is possible.

The show appears to be heading in a slightly different direction since Sean took over. What are your thoughts on that?

With every new governor that comes in, they want to make their stamp on the show. That's natural, and all the executive producers that have been there while I've been there have all made a great stamp on the show. Sean is no different. It's the way it is and it's only right they make their own mark on the show.

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What would you like the New Year to hold for Jay? Would you like to see things get easier, or do you enjoy playing the more dramatic stuff?

From a character point of view it would be nice if things got easier. But from an acting point of view, it is always nice when there is controversy and when there is stuff going on. You have to do that. I certainly can't do the nice stuff for too long because I start to drive myself mad and get bored. So from a character point of view, yes. As an actor, no. You can have a break and have things be alright for a time, but it's always better when there is controversy, isn't there?

Yeah, of course. I don't see Lorna that much now because we don't do scenes together anymore. Either I'm in and she's off, or vice versa. It was a great period when Abi and Jay were together and I'd love to do that again. But somehow, I don't think they ever will. I think it was a puppy love thing and since Abi got with Ben, I am not sure he can ever forgive her. Ben is his brother and she messed him about.

Ben and Jay are very popular. Do you and Harry enjoy playing the dynamic between the two of them?

Of course. We are loving our time, we love working together, and we are extremely close. We are loving being together, and we feel really appreciated and loved by all the fans by the show and we get fantastic feedback. We are really happy.

EastEnders will air an hour-long episode on Christmas Day at 9.30pm on BBC One.